The rapper Badshah wanted to leave everything behind to go to Switzerland for love

Renowned Punjabi rapper Badshah has long dominated the music scene with an impressive string of hits, from the high-octane party anthem Kar Gayi Chull to chart-topping collaborations like Garmi, Proper Patola, and Naina. His flamboyant public persona and relentless energy have made him a household name. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour lies a lesser-known side of the artist — a passion so intense that, at one point, he contemplated abandoning music entirely to pursue a radically different path.

In a candid interview with Curly Tales, Badshah revealed that he once seriously considered walking away from the limelight. “There was a time when I thought about leaving everything behind,” he said. “I even imagined starting a completely different life, far away from all this.” That passion, he explained, revolved around rare and luxury collectibles, particularly high-end watches. While his love for luxury cars and designer fashion is well documented, his fascination with horology runs far deeper.

For Badshah, watches are not mere accessories; they are art forms, crafted with painstaking precision and patience. He admitted that he was once so enthralled by the craft that he toyed with the idea of relocating to Switzerland, the epicentre of fine watchmaking, to learn the trade first-hand. “I wanted to understand how these extraordinary timepieces are made,” he explained. “The dedication of traditional watchmakers is astonishing — some artisans spend years perfecting their skills and produce only a handful of watches annually.”

Badshah’s flair for luxury has often made headlines. His acquisitions are as selective as they are prestigious, reflecting a preference for quality over quantity. As of 2025, his collection includes only 10–15 timepieces, each chosen for its rarity and craftsmanship. Among his most prized possessions are a handmade Greubel Forsey watch, which took nearly eight months to complete with 500–700 components, and a rare pink ‘Barbie’ Rolex, one of only ten worldwide, reportedly worth Rs 9 crore — a model also owned by football legend Lionel Messi.

The rapper’s affinity for luxury extends beyond watches. In 2025, he purchased a Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at Rs 12.45 crore and became the first Indian artist to collaborate with Maybach on a limited-edition eyewear collection.

Selected Luxury Acquisitions of Badshah

Badshah’s story underscores a fascinating duality: while the music charts may see him as a flamboyant pop icon, his devotion to the precision and artistry of luxury watchmaking reveals a depth of character and an appreciation for dedication that transcends fame.